Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Several studies suggest that chronic stress may be associated with increased risk of cancer mortality. Our study sought to determine the association between allostatic load (AL), a measure of cumulative stress, and risk of cancer death; and whether these associations varied by race/ethnicity.Methods
We performed retrospective analysis using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1988 through 2010 linked with the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. We fit Fine & Gray Cox proportional hazards models to estimate sub-distribution hazard ratios (SHRs) of cancer death between high and low AL status (models adjusted for age, sociodemographics, and comorbidities).Results
In fully adjusted models, high AL was associated with a 14% increased risk of cancer death (adjusted (SHR): 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.26) among all participants and a 18% increased risk of cancer death (SHR:1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.34) among Non-Hispanic White (NH-White) adults. When further stratified by age (participants aged <40 years), high AL was associated with a 80% increased risk (SHR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.35-2.41) among all participants; a 95% increased risk (SHR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.22-3.12) among NH-White adults; a 2-fold (SHR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.27-3.34) increased risk among Non-Hispanic Black (NH-Black) adults; and a 36% increased risk among Hispanic adults (SHR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.70-2.62).Conclusions
Overall, the risk of cancer death was associated with high AL; however, when stratified among NH-Black and Hispanic adults this association was slightly attenuated.Impact
High AL is associated with increased risk of overall cancer death, and future studies should delineate the association between AL and cancer-specific mortality to better understand the causal mechanisms between cumulative stress and cancer.
SUBMITTER: Moore JX
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9382324 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Moore Justin Xavier JX Andrzejak Sydney Elizabeth SE Bevel Malcolm S MS Jones Samantha R SR Tingen Martha S MS
SSM - population health 20220731
<h4>Background</h4>Several studies suggest that chronic stress may be associated with increased risk of cancer mortality. Our study sought to determine the association between allostatic load (AL), a measure of cumulative stress, and risk of cancer death; and whether these associations varied by race/ethnicity.<h4>Methods</h4>We performed retrospective analysis using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1988 through 2010 linked with the National Death Index through Dec ...[more]